This manual, developed by the Families in Action Project, is intended to provide parents and other family members of children with emotional disorders some practical ideas and tools with which they can become effective partners with professionals in the policy-making process. The first section, "Understanding the Board Process," describes different types of policy-making bodies, their general roles and functions, and special issues that the parent (as a consumer representative) should consider. The second section, "Strategies for Effective Participation," looks at the various skills board members and advocates use to exert influence. Suggestions on improving communication skills, leading and participating in meetings, dealing with conflict, and getting one's message across are provided to help parents develop an effective, credible "style" of participation. The third section, "Organizing as Advocates," examines how family support and advocacy organizations can best influence the system, recruit and prepare members for policy-making roles, and avoid organizational "burnout" in trying to balance their responsibilities of mutual parent-to-parent support and system change efforts. The fourth section, "Resources for Decision-Making," provides a variety of information sheets, contacts for further information, and other materials to help parents obtain the background data needed to support proposals and ideas. (Contains 19 references.) (DB)